Jefferson City

Jefferson City is named for the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the President responsible for the Louisiana Purchase. Some of the land from that purchase eventually became the State of Missouri. In 2013, Jefferson City was named America's "Most Beautiful" Small Town by Rand McNally.

By car

Jefferson is centrally located in the State of Missouri about half-way between St. Louis and Kansas City along the Missouri River.  There are three major highways that run directly through the city: US 50, 54, and 63.

By plane

Jefferson City Memorial Airport, located just across the Missouri River, only serves general aviation.
The closest airport with commercial service is Columbia Regional Airport, from which US Highway 63 goes straight to Jefferson City. American Airlines is the only carrier at the airport, with daily non-stop flights between Columbia and Chicago (ORD) or Dallas (DFW).
The closest full-scale commercial airport is Lambert St. Louis International Airport, about two hours away.  It is very easy to get from the St. Louis airport to Jefferson City.  Take I-70 west out of St. Louis for about an hour and a half.  At this point take US Highway 54 south for about 30 minutes until you reach Jefferson City.
A little further is the Kansas City International Airport, about three hours away.

By train

The Amtrak Station is located in the heart of Downtown Jefferson City at 101 Jefferson Street. At the midpoint of the Kansas City to St. Louis route, the Missouri River Runner, there are two departures each direction every day. While a ticket is not needed to board the train, a reservation is. Annual Station Ridership exceeded 50,000 in 2013.
Call 800-USA-Rail or visit Amtrak for reservations and schedule information.

Most of the attractions are located in the heart of Downtown Jefferson City within walking distance of each other.
There is also an extensive greenway with 7.4 miles of paved trails . This is a multi-use greenway and is perfect for walking, running, biking or skating. The greenway now connects via the Missouri River Bike & Pedestrian Bridge to the Katy Trial, one of the national's longest trail projects (238 miles).

Museums

• Missouri State Museum

  phone: +1 573 751-4127
  address: 201 W. Capitol Ave
  Tours are given for free every hour from 9AM to 4PM. The Missouri State Museum is on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol Building and managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.Today, the museum continues to showcase Missouri’s diverse history and resources. The museum houses both temporary and long-term exhibits, such as exhibits for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

• Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation Museum

  phone: +1 573 636-8737
  address: 2500 Country Club Dr
  No visit to Jefferson City is complete without a visit to this museum. Veterinary artifacts and instruments, many over 100 years old are on display. Instruments and equipment used in small and large animal surgery, old diaries and sample drug cases are a part of the display. The Museum is open M-F 9AM to 4PM, Saturday, by appointment.

• Jefferson Landing State Historic Site

  phone: +1 573 751-2854
  Jefferson St & Capital Ave. Tu–Sa, 10AM–4PM, closed December. The area at the base of Jefferson Street, known as Jefferson’s Landing, was the site of the original river landing and the first area settled in the city. It is significant as a rare surviving Missouri River landing place. The structures in this historic site date back to 1839 making it the oldest riverfront landing on the Missouri River. As this site was later served by the railroad, several of Jefferson City’s largest businesses grew here.

• Cole County Historical Museum

  phone: +1 573-635-1850
  address: 109 Madison St
  You can encounter the roots of Missouri government and discover the charm and culture of the early political society at the Cole County Historical Society Museum. The building stands as a historical site, built by Governor B. Gratz Brown in 1871, and today it draws visitors as a tourist attraction. The museum has a collection of artifacts, antiques and historical documents. Notably, it is the only county museum in the country to own and display inaugural gowns of its state’s First Ladies.

• Missouri State Highway Patrol Safety Education Center

  phone: +1 573 526-6149
  address: 1510 East Elm St
  The center was opened to the public in April 1982. Nowhere in Missouri is there such a comprehensive display of information concerning traffic safety, law enforcement, drug abuse and many items relating to the history of the Missouri Highway Patrol.

• Museum of Missouri Military History

  phone: +1 573 638-9603
  address: 2007 Retention Dr
  This museum is operated by the Missouri National Guard and is free of charge. It features displays about Missouri's involvement in every major military conflict since the Mexican War in 1846.

Outdoor and Landmarks

• Missouri State Capitol Building

  phone: +1 573 751-2854
  address: 201 W. Capitol Ave
  Recently the capitol building was rated as being the fifth most beautiful on the outside and first most beautiful on the inside of all 50 United States capitals by USAToday. Completed in 1917, the Capitol covers three acres in downtown Jefferson City. The Capitol tour will provide you with an excellent education on the State of Missouri and the structure that represents its home. Free tours are provided. M-F 9AM-4PM; no tours are offered during the lunch hour. Sa-Su, tours start at 11AM and 2PM. Online reservations are encouraged, walk-ins may have to wait to next tour.

• Missouri State Supreme Court Building

  phone: +1 573 751-4144
  address: 207 West High St
  The Supreme Court Building in Jefferson City became a permanent home for the Court at its completion in 1907 using funds from the 1904 Worlds Fair in St. Louis. Look for the glass floors in the library. Because the building did not have lights when it was built, the glass floors allowed light from the windows to filter down to the main floor. Tours of the Supreme Court are given M-F call ahead for times.

• Runge Nature Center

  phone: +1 573 526-5544
  address: 330 Commerce Dr
  Enjoy the natural wonders of Missouri and the fish, forests and wildlife found here by strolling through exhibits or hiking nature center trails. Inside the center you will find an indoor wildlife viewing area, a nature library, and a small gift shop. Venture outside to explore over two miles of hiking trails. The Naturescape Trail is accessible to people with disabilities. Self-guided tours are always available; advance notice is required for naturalist-led programs. Free admission.

• Governor's Mansion

  phone: +1 573 751-4141
  address: 100 Madison St
  The State’s first family invites you to tour their home to see its beautiful architecture and period furniture. Public tours of the first floor are conducted each Tuesday and Thursday from 10AM until 12PM and again at 1PM until 3PM, except during August and December. In December, Candlelight Tours are held on two evenings during the holiday season. Free Admission. Reservations required 24 hours in advance.

• Carnahan Memorial Garden

  phone: +1 573 751-3249
  address: 100 Madison St
  The garden behind the Governor’s Mansion started in the late 1930s as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project. The WPA was created in 1938 by Franklin D. Roosevelt to employ the thousands of craftsmen and the laborers out of work during the great Depression. The Governor’s Garden was renamed in 2001 as the Carnahan Memorial Garden after the death of Governor Mel Carnahan. A beautiful site for relaxing and enjoying the beauty and smell of blooming flowers. Many use the Garden as a location for weddings. To reserve the Carnahan Memorial Garden, please call +1 573 751-3249.

• Lincoln University

  phone: +1 573 681-5599
  address: 820 Chestnut St
  Jefferson City’s prized institution of higher education is the internationally recognized Lincoln University. The University was formed at the end of the Civil War by officers and soldiers of the 62nd and 65th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiments (these units were mostly comprised of Missourians).

• Soldier's Memorial Plaza

  phone: +1 573 681-5599
  address: 820 Chestnut St
  A memorial to the soldiers of the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantries, who served in the U.S. Civil War, and went on to found Lincoln University.

• National Cemetery

  address: 1024 East McCarty St
  Burials in Jefferson City National Cemetery date to summer 1861; its original purpose was for the burial of Civil War soldiers from the surrounding area. The site of the cemetery, which local residents Israel and Mary Read sold to the government, was surveyed for classification as a national cemetery during the war. However, its official designation did not occur until 1867, after the war and approximately 350 interments were completed. Jefferson City National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Oct. 1, 1998.

• Louis and Clark Trail Head PlazaA Lewis and Clark monument next to the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, officially called the Lewis and Clark Monument Trailhead Plaza, is now completed. The site recognizes again the city's connection to Lewis and Clark. The monument is near the corner of Jefferson Street and Capitol Avenue on the Capitol grounds overlooking the Jefferson Landing Historic Site and the Missouri River. This trailhead and monument connects the Katy Trail to the Capitol and the greenway trail network now that the Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge has been completed.

• Missouri State PenitentiaryThe longest operating prison west of the Mississippi, the MSP closed its doors in 2004. In 1954, overcrowding, the increasing violence of inmates and aging nature of the penitentiary climaxed into a three day riot. The national Guard was called in to suppress the rioting. When it was all over, four inmates were killed and millions of dollars of damage had been done. In 1963-64, there were 550 serious assaults inside the Missouri State Penitentiary, including hundreds of stabbings, which is why TIME magazine called it the "bloodiest 47 acres in America". A few of the more famous prisoners include: Sonny Liston, James Earl Ray, and "Pretty Boy" Floyd. Decommissioned in 2004, the prison complex is now scheduled for large-scale redevelopment.

Parks

• Binder Park

  phone: +1 573 634-6482
  address: 5840 Rainbow Dr
  Binder Park adjoins Joseph C. Miller Park. The main feature of the park is a 150-acre lake which offers excellent fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill and other species. Binder Park is also home to Jefferson City’s only disc golf course. The 18 hole course runs through the woods with some open fairways. Binder Park also has a mountain bike trail on its terrain. As the Binder Lake trail system winds across the landscape, it provides something for all users.

• Katy Trail State ParkThe Katy Trail is a 225 mile (365 km) bike path stretching across most of the state of Missouri. Over half of it follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri River, where you can ride beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead. After leaving the river, the trail meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana. America's longest "rails-to-trail" project, formerly the MKT rail line, is flat and scenic. It's ideal for hiking, running, or cycling on just about any kind of bike.

• Cole County Park

  phone: +1 573 636-3614
  address: Country Club Drive
  Cole County Park is located near the fairgrounds off Country Club Drive. An attractive 8-acre lake in the park provides opportunities for fishing and picnicking. A general purpose field and a soccer field have been developed at the park.

• Ellis Porter/Riverside Park

  phone: +1 573 634-6482
  address: Grant Street
  Located at the north end of Grant Street on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Missouri River.

• Joseph C. Miller Park

  phone: +1 573 634-6482
  address: Highway 50 West
  Joseph C. Miller Park is on Highway 50 West, approximately two miles west of Capital Mall.

• McClung Park

  phone: +1 573 634-6482
  address: 930 McClung Park Dr
  On Chestnut Street near Lincoln University’s Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Contains facilities for large crowds with a covered picnic shelter, and a general purpose air-conditioned building.

• McKay Park

  phone: +1 573 634-6482
  address: 1700 Southridge Dr
  5AM-11PM. This park also provides picnic shelters and tables, hiking and fitness trails, basketball courts and a playground. Located off Southwest Boulevard on Sunset Lake Road

• Memorial Park and Family Aquatic Center

  phone: +1 573 634-6482
  address: 111 Memorial Park Dr
  Located at 120 Binder Dr., it has an aquatic center, picnic shelter, playground, picnic tables and barbecue pits.

• Washington Park

  phone: +1 573 634-6482
  address: 900 E. Miller Street
  Has a multipurpose court with basketball goals, fitness trail, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, picnic tables with grills. No reservations needed.

Breweries

• Prison Brews

  phone: +1 573 635-0678
  address: 305 Ash Street
  Prison Brews is a unique brewpub located in the historic east side of Jefferson City two blocks from the old Missouri State Penitentiary. They describe themselves as having a diverse food menu and large selection of handcrafted ales. The large outdoor patio and bocce courts provide a great way to enjoy a beautiful Missouri day.

Wineries

• Native Stone Winery

  phone: +1 573 584-8600
  address: 4317 Native Stone Rd
  Located atop the bluffs of the Missouri River, Native Stone is a 300 acre estate owned and operated by Cara and Larry Stauffer. The estate has been farmed by the Stauffer family since the 1960s and is named for the national award-winning play “Native Stone” written by Jim Steerman, and based on lives of the Stauffer family’s ancestors. For current hours of operation please call.

• Summit Lake Winery

  phone: +1 573 893-9966
  address: 1707 South Summit Dr
  Opened in February 2002, Summit Lake Winery sits high on the blufftop overlooking Highway 54, the Missouri River, and Jefferson City. They offer distinctive Midwest wines and a creative bistro menu. Also with year round wine tasting, they also have facilities to accommodate rehearsal dinners, receptions, large or small parties, conferences and banquets.

Arts

• Capitol City Cinema

  phone: +1 573 632-2675
  address: 126 East High Street
  Single-screen cinema, run by a nonprofit, community-based, member-supported movie theater that specializes in independent, foreign and documentary films.

• The Twisted Canvas

  phone: +1 573 644-9989
  address: 219 East High Street
  B.Y.O.B. art and social studio. You are welcome to bring your favorite bottle of wine or any other beverage of your choice and snacks to enjoy during the class. They supply the brushes, the paint, and the space, and one of their professional artist assists you and the class in making a painting you can take home.

• Miller Performing Arts Center

Events

• OktoberfestThe last weekend in September, the Old Munichberg Associations puts on the Oktoberfest. Located at Jefferson Street and Dunklin Street in historic Old Munichburg, Oktoberfest is a celebration of Jefferson City's strong German heritage. It includes authentic homemade German food, music and dancing. A parade, car show, craft vendors and demonstrating artisans offer a day full of family activities. Some of the highlights include the Dachsund Derby and the Children's Train. A beer garden with live music serves as entertainment for the adults.

• Salute to AmericaOne of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the state! Activities begin on July 3, with a parade and live music on the Capitol Main Stage. Activities take place throughout July 4, and wrap up with more live music and a fireworks show. With a full festival schedule, there will be plenty of fun-filled activities to entertain people of all ages. Whether it’s dancing to the sound of great music, enjoying some tasty cuisine or diving into the historic tradition of the Fourth of July, Jefferson City provides the experience through Salute to America.

• Missouri River Wine TrailA leisurely, self-paced tour of the 4 wineries of the Missouri River Wine Trail (Les Bourgeois, Native Stone, Summit Lake – Hartsburg, and Summit Lake - Holts Summit). Each stop will present a wine and food pairing. Start at any location; see all 4 locations in 1 day, or take the whole weekend!

Golf

• Eagle Knoll

  address: 5757 East Eagle Knoll Dr
  Hartsburg.

• Oak Hills Golf Center/Hough Park

  phone: +1 573 634-6532
  address: 932 Ellis Blvd

• Railwood Golf Course

  phone: +1 573 896-GOLF
  address: 12925 County Rd
  Holts, Summit.

• Redfield Golf Course

  phone: +1 573 498-0110
  address: 14005 Redfield Dr

• Turkey Creek Golf Center

  phone: +1 573 636-7833
  address: 1616 Oil Well Rd

• The Capital Mall

  phone: +1 573 893-5323
  address: West Truman Blvd
  This mall features three major department stores (Dillard’s, Sears and JC Penney), a variety of shops and restaurants, on US 50 at West Truman Blvd. Stores include American Eagle, Victoria’s Secret, Buckle,and Bath and Body Works. This mall has seen better days.

• Downtown Jefferson City

  phone: +1 573-291-3524
  address: 100 East High St.
  High Street has been the heart of Jefferson City for more than 150 years. Downtown stores are mixed with more than twenty eateries and include American Shoe, Carrie’s Hallmark Shop, Copper Tree Exchange, Downtown Book & Toy, Fine Mess Boutique, High Handsome Men's Exchange, Southbank Gift Company, Samuel’s Tuxedos, Saffees Ladies Apparel, Snob Shop Exchange, Tolson Drug and River City Florist & The XChange Boutique.

• East SideSpread throughout this mostly residential area you’ll find a number of quaint little shops selling everything from clocks to antiques to ceramic zebras.

• Old Munichburg

  phone: +1 573 634-8198
  address: 308 West Dunklin
  Located along the south side of Hwy 50, this German influenced neighborhood has seen a resurgence in the past few years with a number of stores, restaurants and festivals. Some stores in this area of Jefferson City are Schaefer House, Kas A Design, Riversong Day Spa, J & D Bike Shop and Busch’s Florist.

• West SideAmbitious shoppers will enjoy the opportunities on the west side of town. Shopping centers, department stores, and over 30 restaurants are concentrated along Missouri Boulevard and adjacent streets. Best Buy, Staples, Kohl’s, and The Marketplace are located on the west side of Jefferson City.

• Wildwood Crossings

  address: 3535 Missouri Blvd
  Jefferson City’s most recent shopping development has the stores that you know and love including Old Navy, Barnes and Noble, T.J. Maxx, Petco, Pier 1 and Shoe Carnival.

• Arris' Pizza Palace

  phone: +1 573 635-9225
  address: 117 W High St

• Bandanas Bar-B-Q

  phone: +1 573 634-RIBS
  address: 2336 Missouri Blvd

• Bingham's

  phone: +1 573 635-5388
  address: 1510 Jefferson St

• Bones Restaurant and Lounge

  phone: +1 573 636-8955
  address: 210 Commercial Ave.

• Capitol City CORK & Provisions

  phone: +1 573 632-2675
  address: 124 East High St.
  Serves a seasonal and changing menu and sources food locally when available.

• Central Dairy

  phone: +1 573 635-6148
  address: 610 Madison St
  For a refreshing break anytime, stop in at Central Dairy for legendary ice cream treats. The dairy is an excellent stop any time of year and is known as a longtime favorite of locals and many throughout the Midwest.

• Das Stein Haus

  phone: +1 573 634-3869
  address: 1436 Southridge Dr

• Downtown Diner

  phone: +1 573 415-2480
  address: 127 East High St.

• Jimmy Johns

  phone: +1 573 681-3278
  address: 128 East High St.

• Hunan Restaurant

  phone: +1 573 634-5253
  address: 1416 Missouri Blvd

• Kate & Ally's New York Pizzeria

  phone: +1 573 893-8855
  address: 1418 Missouri Blvd

• Love Sushi

  phone: +1 573 634-0095
  address: 2201 Missouri Blvd

• Lutz's BBQ

  address: 3505 Missouri Blvd
  Good BBQ food, the store used to be a smoker on the street, now it's part of a gas station. They had many trophies around, including at least one from the American Royal.

• Madison's Cafe

  phone: +1 573 634-2988
  address: 216 Madison St
  Northern Italian, American and eclectic fare at its finest; a Jefferson City tradition since 1982. Casual, relaxed, yet elegant dining.

• Old Brick House Deli

  phone: +1 573 893-4242
  address: 2421 W Edgewood Dr

• Prison Brews

  phone: +1 573 635-0678
  address: 305 Ash St

• Rick's Cafe

  phone: +1 573 635-9010
  address: 200 Madison St
  Great food with great prices and a selection of espresso beverages.

• Sawaddee Thai Kitchen

  phone: +1 573 893-7600
  address: 103 E High St

• Spectators Sports Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 573 632-9700
  address: 232 E High St
  Three floors with a sports bar on the main level, the upper level is a loft that can be reserved for private parties and the lower level being the game area having amenities including pool tables, foosball and darts. The main and lower levels have a full bar offering great selection and service.

• The Grand Cafe

  phone: +1 573 632-9700
  address: 107 E High St
  They profess to serve "exceptional cuisine in a relaxed environment". They have an extensive wine, beer and liquor selection, and their menu changes with the seasons.

• Trappers Too

  phone: +1 573 635-0712
  address: 306 E High St
  Trappers Too provides quick breakfast and lunch downtown, as well as Trappical drinks after work.

• Yanis Coffee Zone

  phone: +1 573 761-4277
  address: 130 E High St
  Home of Rocket Fuel. The capital's best and only Middle Eastern cuisine.

• YoYums

  phone: +1 573 644-7581
  address: 122 E High St
  A mom 'n' pop self-serve frozen yogurt store.

• Bones Restaurant and Lounge

  phone: +1 573 636-8955
  address: 210 Commercial St

• Gumbo Bottoms Ale House

  phone: +1 573 619-7703
  address: 221 Madison St

• Paddy Malone's Pub

  phone: +1 573 761-5900
  address: 700 W Main St
  Extremely good food, GREAT Guinness, Irish music. Best Irish pub in the region.

• The Mission

  phone: +1 573-893-2800
  address: 915 E High St
  Terrific bar with great entertainment!

Downtown

• Baymont Suites

  phone: +1 573 636-5231
  address: 319 West Miller St

• Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

  phone: +1 573 635-1234
  address: 415 West McCarty St

• Doubletree Hotel Jefferson City

  phone: +1 573 636-5101
  address: 422 Monroe St

Other

• Best Western Capital Inn

  phone: +1 573 635-4175
  address: 1937 Christy Dr

• Budget Inn

  phone: +1 573 636-6167
  address: 1309 Jefferson St

• Candlewood Suites

  phone: +1 573 634-8822
  address: 3514 Amazonas Dr

• Days Inn

  phone: +1 573 761-3600
  address: 2100 Jefferson St

• Econo Lodge

  phone: +1 573 636-2797
  address: 1926 Jefferson St

• Fairfield Inn

  phone: +1 573 761-0400
  address: 3621 West Truman Blvd

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 573 634-4040
  address: 1716 Jefferson St

• Motel 6

  phone: +1 573 634-4220
  address: 1624 Jefferson St

• Super 8 Motel

  phone: +1 573 636-5456
  address: 1710 Jefferson St

• Truman Hotel & Conference Center

  phone: +1 573 635-7171
  address: 1510 Jefferson Street Jefferson